Cheap motors: 7 value for money car brands

Car prices are up nearly 70% in the past decade, but there are still some affordable brands out there.

Buying a new car isn’t cheap these days.

In fact, the average price of a new petrol vehicle has risen by a shocking 67% from £27,036 to £45,218 since 2015, according to recent analysis by Auto Express. 

The research also found that if prices had merely tracked inflation, new petrol models today would only cost an average of £36,225. 

The price of hybrid vehicles has also increased by 45% from an average of £30,485 to £44,273, according to analysts from Cox Automotive for Auto Express. 

Price increases are across most brands and are thought to be driven by higher wage costs, disruption and supply chain issues in the industry dating back from the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

What’s more, manufacturers are also simply focusing on building more expensive vehicles to maximise profits. This is partly a legacy of the previous shortage of semiconductor chips – makers focused on using them in higher-end cars. 

So, which companies are currently producing some of the cheapest vehicles? 

1. Dacia 

Dacia is a Romanian brand that began selling cars in the UK in 2013 and has since been purchased by French car maker Renault. 

Its Sandero model sold for just £5,995 10 years ago, according to the Daily Mail. 

However, you are now more likely to pick up a new petrol or diesel model for £19,000.  

In the first half of last year, the car was the bestselling new car in Europe.  Its new EV, the Dacia Spring, retails from around £15,000.  

2. Nissan

Japanese car maker Nissan’s models have long been a reliable option for the motorist on a budget. 

The Nissan Juke retails from £24,045 and comes as petrol or hybrid, the Qashqai starts at £30,615.

But while the new electric Nissan Leaf and Micra models are set to launch soon – with the Leaf as an SUV  – there is no word yet on the pricing. 

3. Citroen 

The second French car retailer on this list – albeit now owned by Dutch firm Stellantis - all five of Citroen’s main models sell for less than £30,000.

The C3 petrol costs £18,305 for the petrol or diesel model, or £22,095 for the EV. 

Meanwhile, the C4 petrol model is £22,595 or £27,650 for the electric, the C4 X is just £25,035 or £28,715 for the EV version, the C5 diesel/hybrid costs just over £28,000, while the new C5 Aircross retails for less than £30,000.

4. Renault

The Renault Clio, once known for its iconic ‘Papa, Nicole’ adverts in the 1990s, currently retails for just under £19,000, while the Captur will set you back £22,195 and the Symbioz £29,495. 

Plus, at £22,995, its R5 e-Tech is one of the lowest-priced new EVs in the UK.  

Next year, the Renault Twingo EV, with a range of around 185 miles, is expected to debut at £17,000. 

5. Toyota

Japanese car manufacturer Toyota continues to offer reliable, low-cost vehicles.

The Aygo X petrol model retails from £16,845, while the Yaris Hybrid is priced from £23,445 and the Corolla hatchback hybrid from £30,795. 

6. MG

The iconic MG is a brand you’d associate more with the racetrack than being on a budget.

However, times have changed since it was purchased by Chinese company SAIC. 

The MG3 hatchback model sells for £16,995, while the hybrid+ version retails for £18,995 and the ZS SUV for just £19,995. 

7. Skoda

The days when people poked fun at Skodas are long gone. Nowadays, owned by Volkswagen, they have a solid reputation and offer value for money. 

The Fabia retails for £20,515, the Scala from £22,960, while the Kamiq is priced from £24,975.